UIDAI Waives All Aadhaar Update Fees for 6 Crore Children: Free Biometric Updates from October 1, 2025

In a major relief for millions of Indian families, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a year-long waiver on all charges related to mandatory biometric updates (MBU) for children’s Aadhaar cards. The decision, which came into effect on October 1, 2025, is expected to benefit nearly 6 crore children across the country.

This move aims to ease the financial and procedural burden on parents who need to update their children’s biometric data as part of Aadhaar’s mandatory requirements. UIDAI has stated that this initiative has been taken in the interest of the public and will remain valid for one full year.

What UIDAI’s Decision Means for Families

According to UIDAI’s official statement, the waiver applies to all children who are required to update their biometrics—fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs—between the ages of 5 and 17. Previously, while the first two biometric updates were free, any subsequent update would cost ₹125 per child. Under the new directive, this fee has been completely waived for a year, allowing parents to update their children’s Aadhaar data free of cost at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) across India.

UIDAI officials noted that this step was designed to ensure that no family faces any financial hardship while fulfilling Aadhaar update requirements. It is expected to make the update process smoother and more accessible for millions of households.

Understanding Aadhaar for Children

The process of issuing Aadhaar for children differs from that of adults. For children below 5 years, Aadhaar is generated based only on demographic details—such as name, date of birth, gender, address—and a photograph, as biometric features like fingerprints and iris patterns are not fully developed at that age.

However, UIDAI mandates two biometric updates as the child grows:

• First Biometric Update (MBU-1): When the child turns 5 years old.

• Second Biometric Update (MBU-2): Between the ages of 15 and 17 years.

These updates ensure that the Aadhaar database remains accurate and the identity verification system stays reliable. Until now, after these mandatory updates, any additional biometric correction required a processing fee. With the new waiver, families can update their child’s Aadhaar freely within the one-year period starting October 2025.

How This Helps Beneficiaries

The decision is expected to have a wide-reaching impact. Many government welfare schemes, scholarships, and school admissions require a child’s updated Aadhaar details. Parents who may have delayed the process due to update costs can now get their child’s Aadhaar information corrected or updated without any charges.

UIDAI’s initiative not only promotes digital inclusion but also ensures that no child misses out on government benefits due to outdated or incomplete biometric data.

Where and How to Update Aadhaar

Parents can visit their nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or an authorized enrollment center to update their child’s biometrics. UIDAI has also strengthened its digital systems to simplify the update process. Through online platforms and digital tools, parents can easily locate centers, book appointments, and track update status.

UIDAI’s Push Toward Digital Accessibility

UIDAI has been working to enhance its digital outreach through multiple platforms, one of which is the UDGAM Portal (Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information). With the Aadhaar update waiver, UIDAI is furthering its commitment to making public digital services more accessible, citizen-friendly, and transparent.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of Digital India, where technology bridges gaps in governance and service delivery. By eliminating update fees, UIDAI has reinforced its role as a public-centric agency ensuring digital inclusion for all age groups.

In Summary

The free Aadhaar update policy is a significant step toward reducing administrative and financial barriers for families. It ensures that millions of children have access to a valid, updated identity record—an essential document for availing various educational and welfare benefits.

With this initiative, UIDAI not only provides relief to parents but also strengthens the Aadhaar ecosystem by ensuring that every child’s data remains current and accurate—without any additional cost.